Half way there - time for your support, please

At the beginning of this year I set out to ride a total of 3,000 miles, to raise money for Beating Bowel Cancer.  Well, the riding is going very well – to date I have ridden 1,619.5 miles.  It hasn’t been as easy as you might think, even if I am now a fully paid up MAMIL (middle aged man in lycra).  I have battled in the wind and the rain.  I have ridden darkened roads with cars behind me determined to make me yet another cycling casualty.  I have ridden up some tough hills, my biggest achievement to date being Whitedown lane, noted as one of the steepest climbs in Surrey (with bits rising to a gradient of 20%).

Some of the team at the top of Box Hill

My next challenge, one of many, is to complete the VelothonWales on 14^th June, which is 85 miles in the Welsh mountains, including a 6km ride up The Tumble, one of the toughest challenges in the UK.  I promise you, I will earn that medal.  It is a very tough challenge to be completed in a limited time.

And all I ask of you is your generosity to make it all worthwhile.  You can donate at https://www.justgiving.com/Mark-Flannagan5.

The charity which I lead, Beating Bowel Cancer, has set out ambitious, but entirely achievable goals to save 9,000 more lives over the next five years, by getting more diagnosed earlier.  To do this we need to raise awareness of bowel cancer and be clear about the standards of care that patients should receive if they are, in their own way every day, to beat bowel cancer.  Alongside this, we will go on providing support to individuals facing a dreadful diagnosis of bowel cancer – the UK’s second biggest cancer killer.  Beating Bowel Cancer runs the UK’s only nurse-led helpline for bowel cancer patients, described as a “lifeline” by many.

I am determined that we can make a difference.  I am showing that determination by my own efforts this year to cycle 3,000 miles.  This is a real challenge for me – although nothing compares to the challenge faced every day by those dealing with bowel cancer.

If you can, please give generously.  And to those who supported me last year in my Ride London fundraising campaign, thank you.  Please support me again in my even tougher challenge.  Help me to beat bowel cancer.

Please be generous.  You can donate at https://www.justgiving.com/Mark-Flannagan5. 

Thank you so much